The Peruvian government announced on Thursday, April 17th (local time), an extension of the national state of emergency to 157 districts across 20 regions for an additional 30 days. This decision, published in the official gazette "El Peruano," aims to bolster the nation's response to the ongoing severe weather crisis characterized by relentless and intense rainfall. The extended state of emergency will take effect starting April 22nd and encompasses the regions of Amazonas, Áncash, Cusco, Huancavelica, Huánuco, La Libertad, Lima, Loreto, Madre de Dios, and Piura nationwide.

The Peruvian government stated that the continuation of the state of emergency is crucial for the immediate and swift implementation of necessary emergency measures and local relief efforts to effectively address the extreme downpours. Authorities emphasized the urgent need to resolve critical issues in the flood-affected areas, including housing, access to clean drinking water, and the provision of sanitation facilities and hygiene equipment, where progress has been slow.

Recent reports from Peru's National Institute of Civil Defense (INDECI) paint a grim picture of the disaster's scale. The nation has recorded 5,430 emergencies, with over 3,500 of these directly linked to the heavy rains experienced between December 2024 and March 2025. These emergencies include devastating landslides, widespread flooding, and structural collapses, collectively impacting a staggering 187,486 people.

Tragically, the torrential rains have claimed the lives of at least 91 individuals, and authorities report that 14 people remain missing, swept away by the floodwaters. The continuous downpour has overwhelmed infrastructure, displaced communities, and disrupted essential services across the affected regions.

The extended state of emergency will grant the government greater authority to allocate resources, mobilize aid, and implement necessary measures without bureaucratic delays. This is particularly critical as the rainy season in Peru typically extends through April, raising concerns about further potential damage and displacement.

International aid organizations and local NGOs are working alongside government agencies to provide assistance to the affected populations. Efforts are focused on delivering food, water, shelter, and medical supplies to those displaced by the floods and landslides. The challenging terrain and damaged infrastructure, however, are complicating access to some of the worst-hit areas.

Meteorological experts indicate that the intensity and duration of the recent rainfall are unusual and could be linked to broader climate patterns. The government has pledged to assess the long-term impacts of the disaster and develop strategies for future resilience against extreme weather events.

The coming weeks will be crucial in providing immediate relief to the hundreds of thousands affected and in laying the groundwork for recovery and reconstruction efforts in the devastated regions of Peru. The extended state of emergency underscores the gravity of the situation and the ongoing commitment of the government to address this significant humanitarian crisis.